Imagine that an e-commerce platform operator is facing two critical problems: a growing number of targeted attacks on Layer 7 (application layer), including attempts to exploit zero-day vulnerabilities.

Traditional WAF systems generate a huge number of false positives, forcing security teams to spend time manually managing exception lists and preventing them from responding quickly to real threats. Furthermore, due to the intensive use of APIs by mobile applications and microservices, programming interfaces are becoming a new, poorly secured attack vector.

The solution? Implementing FortiWeb with two-layer machine learning.

The operator decides to implement FortiWeb, choosing a cloud deployment model (SaaS/Cloud WAF) to ensure flexibility and high service availability.

  • Precise detection using ML – FortiWeb has implemented a two-stage traffic inspection model. The first layer is rapid filtering based on attack signatures and IP reputation (powered by FortiGuard Labs). The second layer (ML) examines traffic passing through the first layer using an advanced machine learning engine. It continuously creates a behavioral model of the application. Using algorithms, the engine precisely analyzes whether a detected anomaly is harmless or actually constitutes a zero-day attack.
  • Comprehensive API protection and Bot Mitigation – to secure key transactional processes and data, FortiWeb has implemented API protection. Additionally, the service has been secured against automated attacks (e.g., credential stuffing, web scraping) using Bot Mitigation, leveraging ML, deception (Bot deception), and biometric detection.

With FortiWeb, the e-commerce platform operator gained precise, multi-layered protection and deep integration with the entire Fortinet Security Fabric ecosystem, minimizing management costs and maintaining compliance with stringent regulations.

Want to learn more about FortiWeb technology, which combines traditional protection with groundbreaking dual-layer machine learning? Download our new e-book and find out how to effectively protect your web applications!